Today's Reading:Old Testament: Deuteronomy 3 - 4
New Testament: Acts 22:30 - 23:35
Focus Verses: Deuteronomy 4:5-9
5 See, I have taught you decrees and laws as the LORD my God commanded me, so that you may follow them in the land you are entering to take possession of it. 6 Observe them carefully, for this will show your wisdom and understanding to the nations, who will hear about all these decrees and say, "Surely this great nation is a wise and understanding people." 7 What other nation is so great as to have their gods near them the way the LORD our God is near us whenever we pray to him? 8 And what other nation is so great as to have such righteous decrees and laws as this body of laws I am setting before you today? 9 Only be careful, and watch yourselves closely so that you do not forget the things your eyes have seen or let them slip from your heart as long as you live. Teach them to your children and to their children after them.
Insight:
Moses instructs the Israelites to observe carefully all the laws and commands God had revealed to them. Their obedience would serve as a witness to the nations around them. He also told them to keep a close watch on themselves, to remember all they had seen, to keep these experiences in the hearts, and to teach all the commands and experiences to their children.
Response and Action:
I need to know God's laws and commands; I will study the Scriptures. I need to keep a close eye on myself; I will practice self-examination. I need to be a testimony to the people around me and carefully teach my children in the ways of the Lord.
O God, help me to know and understand your written word and hide it in my heart. Help me to grow in Christ as I continue to examine my ways and follow you more closely each day. Make my life a testimony of your goodness to people around me. Help me to be effective as I teach your ways to my children. Amen.
Proverbs: 21:30
"There is no wisdom, no insight, no plan that can succeed against the LORD."
Resources:
Character Witness: How Our Lives Can Make a Difference in Evangelism
by Christine Wood
